Gradual permanent coloring of hair using dye intermediates dissolved in alkaline water with a gelling agent

ABSTRACT

A method for permanently dyeing hair which comprises subjecting said hair to a number of treatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutive such treatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.) below:  
     a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes with a recently made mixture of:  
     part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH part aii an oxidizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide in water at acidic pH;  
     b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water;  
     and wherein said number of treatments is between about 2 to about 30; and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutive treatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the permanentcoloring of hair with minimized hair damage.

[0002] Most hair coloring products fall under three major groupings:

[0003] 1. Temporary hair color.

[0004] 2. Semi permanent hair color.

[0005] 3. Permanent hair color.

[0006] Temporary hair color is a leave on product that causes minimaldamage to the hair. However, temporary hair color causes stains, andleaches out under rain or with perspiration. Temporary hair color washesout with the next shampoo. Temporary hair color also does not give anycontrol to the consumer over the amount of color deposited or thepermanency of the color supplied. Temporary hair color does not resultin a wide variety of colors and it has only a limited appeal.

[0007] Semi-permanent hair color comes as a rinse, and it causes minimaldamage to the hair. However, semi-permanent hair color washes out tosome degree with each shampoo and washes out completely within about 4to 6 shampoos. Semi permanent hair color does not give the consumer anycontrol regarding the amount of color deposited or the permanency of thecolor. Semi-permanent hair color has limited popularity with consumers.

[0008] Permanent hair color generally comes in two parts: a dye solutionand a developer solution. Because of the damaging nature of conventionalpermanent dye or coloring treatments, most home coloring products comewith a post treatment conditioner. In a permanent hair coloringtreatment, the dye solution and the developer solution are mixed andthen applied to the hair, which is then left for about 25 to about 35minutes. The hair is then rinsed with water, treated with a posttreatment conditioner, and then rinsed again with water.

[0009] Hair coloring products need to be applied every four to six weekssince hair grows out of the scalp at the rate of approximately one halfinch per month. Each coloring application causes damage to the hair, andthat damage is cumulative. Hair touch ups after the initial treatmentmay be needed, but these hair touch ups would also damage hair more, andso they may have to be avoided.

[0010] It would be desirable to develop a method for permanentlycoloring hair that minimizes the damage caused to hair by the coloringprocess. The present invention provides such a method.

[0011] Conventional hair coloring products cannot be used safely in theshower. It is an object of this invention to develop a method forpermanently coloring hair, which can be carried out safely in theshower, for example. It is also an object of the invention to provide amethod for permanently coloring hair wherein the user has control of theamount of durable color deposited without hair damage. It is also anobject of the invention to provide a method for permanently coloringhair wherein the user can employ the hair coloring product as her dailyor frequent hair care product to avoid new out growth of uncolored hair.It is also an object of the invention to provide a method forpermanently coloring hair wherein said method involves less mess anddifficulty than conventional permanent hair coloring methods. It is alsoan object of the invention to provide a method for permanently coloringhair wherein said method brings about gradual color changes with eachapplication. Since gradual color changes are to occur, such a methodwould be virtually mistake free because the consumer could stop or alterthe coloring method if she did not like the course the hair coloring wastaking. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method forpermanently coloring hair wherein the amount of hair coloringcomposition employed can be varied from application to application inorder to adjust the hair coloring results.

[0012] These and other aspects of this invention will become evident bya detailed description of the invention given below.

[0013] Patents and patent applications related to the field of thisinvention are as follows:

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,021 which discloses a process in which humanhair is dyed in successive treatments at selected intervals withoxidation colors (aromatic primary amines and amino phenols) admixed ineach treatment with an oxidizing agent (H₂O₂ or a derivativethereof)—the quantity of oxidation colorant applied in each treatmentbeing substantially the same and the quantity of oxidizing agent beingincreased from the first to the last treatment to effect a gradualincrease in depth of shade—the mixture being allowed to remain on thehair for substantially the same time in each treatment, followed byremoval by rinsing.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,404 discloses an autoxidizable hair dyepreparation capable of coloring or darkening hair when applied theretoand exposed to the atmosphere comprising a mixture of (I) at least onep-phenylene diamine compound, or An acid addition salt thereof, and (II)at least one 1,2,4-benzenetriol compound, each compound optionallycontaining nuclearly substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl orhalogen. The preparation is preferably applied and exposed to theatmosphere repeatedly until the desired degree of darkening or colorbuild-up is attained.

[0016] The preparations of this invention may also contain knownadditives or assistants such as hair grooming agents, for examplequaternized vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymers and thelike, plasticizers, thickeners, slip and wetting agents such aspolyoxyethylenated fatty (e.g. lauryl) alcohols, stearyldimethylammoniumchloride, silicone copolymer, foam boosters, preservatives, perfumes andthe like.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,486 describes a shampoo composition forlightening and highlighting hair which comprises

[0018] (i) a peroxygen compound; and

[0019] (ii) an anionic sulfonate;

[0020] said composition having a pH less than 5. There is also describedan invention directed to a method for lightening and highlighting hairwhich comprises shampooing the hair with a lightening and highlightingeffective amount of a composition of the invention.

[0021] Co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/558,235, filed Apr. 24, 2000 discloses a hair conditioningcomposition for conditioning, lightening, and hilighting hair, whichcomprises

[0022] i) peroxygen compound, and

[0023] ii) a conditioning agent,

[0024] said composition having a pH of 5 or less.

[0025] Co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/811,920, filed Mar. 19, 2001 discloses a method for permanentlydyeing hair which comprises subjecting said hair to a number oftreatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutive suchtreatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.) below:

[0026] a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds toabout 5 minutes with a recently made mixture of:

[0027] i.) an alkaline composition comprising a dye intermediate in ashampoo base or in a conditioner base; and

[0028] ii.) an acidic composition comprising an oxidating compound in ashampoo base or in a conditioner base;

[0029] b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water;

[0030] with the proviso that when a conditioner base is present in a.)i.) above, an independently selected conditioner base is also present ina.) ii.) above; and when a shampoo base is present in a.) i.) above, anindependently selected shampoo base is also present in a.) ii.) above;

[0031] and wherein said number of treatments is between about 2 to about30; and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutivetreatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days, is described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The invention relates to a method for achieving permanent desiredhair color change through the daily or frequent use of hair carecompositions. The hair care compositions comprise a mixture of part aiand part aii as described just below:

[0033] Part ai: dye intermediates in water with gelling agent atalkaline pH;

[0034] Part aii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages used herein arepercentages by weight of active material based on the weight of therespective composition.

[0036] When used herein % refers to weight % as compared to the totalweight per cent of the composition that is being discussed. For example,when % is used to discuss the amount of an ingredient that is in partai, this means weight % as compared to the total weight of part ai. Whenweight % of the mixture of part ai and part aii is mentioned, this meansthe weight % as compared to the total weight the mixture of part ai andpart aii. When the ratio of part ai to part aii is discussed this meansthe weight to weight ratio. As used herein the term “recently” meanswithin a very short interval of time such as within a few seconds orminutes, such as within 0.01 seconds to 120 seconds, or within 0.1seconds to 60 seconds, or within 0.5 second to within 30 seconds orwithin 2 seconds to within 20 seconds. As used herein “nearlysimultaneously” means within about 0.001 second to about 5 seconds, morepreferably about 0.01 to about 1 second, more preferably about 0.01 toabout 0.5 second. As used herein “physical proximity” means within about0.01 to about 1 cm, more preferably about 0.1 to about 0.5 cm.Compositions of the invention may be made by means which are known inthe art or which are analogous to those which are known in the art.Ingredients which are included in compositions of the invention areknown in the art or may be made by means which are known in the art.

[0037] Part ai can comprise from

[0038] a) about 0.1 to about 99.9% of aqueous base with a gelling agent;

[0039] b) about 0.1 to about 5% of dye intermediates or oxidationdyestuffs;

[0040] c) about 0.1 to about 5% of a coupling compound.

[0041] More preferably, part ai can comprise from

[0042] a) about 1 to about 99% of an aqueous base with a gelling agent;

[0043] b) about 0.1 to about 0.5% of oxidation dyestuffs;

[0044] c) about 0.1 to about 1% coupling compound.

[0045] Part aii can comprise from:

[0046] a) about 1 to about 99% of an aqueous base; and

[0047] b) about 1 to about 5% of an oxidizing compound.

[0048] Part aii more preferably comprises from:

[0049] c) about 2 to about 90% of an aqueous base; and

[0050] d) about 2 to about 5% of an oxidizing compound.

[0051] Aqueous compositions of the present invention can comprise amixture of part ai and part aii wherein:

[0052] Part ai can comprise:

[0053] a) about 0.1% to about 99.9% of an aqueous base with gellingagent;

[0054] b) about 0.1% to about 1% of an oxidation dyestuff; and

[0055] c) a volatile silicone;

[0056] Part aii can comprise:

[0057] a) about 1 to about 90% of an aqueous base;

[0058] b) about 1 to about 5% of an oxidative compound.

[0059] One or both of part ai and part aii may further comprise athickener which is a high molecular weight fatty alcohol wherein saidhigh molecular weight fatty alcohol is selected from the groupconsisting of for example cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

[0060] Part ai and part aii can, for example, be mixed in a ratio ofabout 1.2:0.8 to about 0.8:1.2 respectively, more preferably at about a1:1 ratio.

[0061] What follows is a description of the ingredients that can beincluded in the compositions of the present invention.

[0062] Hair Dyes and Hair Coloring Agents

[0063] The part ai compositions of the present invention include one ormore oxidative hair coloring agents or oxidation dyestuffs. These haircoloring agents are present in compositions of the present inventionwhich have an aqueous base. Such oxidative hair-coloring agents are usedin combination with the oxidizing systems of the present invention toformulate permanent hair dye compositions.

[0064] Permanent hair dye compositions as defined herein arecompositions, which once applied to the hair, are substantiallyresistant to washout.

[0065] Oxidative Dyes

[0066] The dye forming intermediates, also called dye intermediates oroxidation dyestuffs, used in oxidative dyes can be aromatic diamines,aminophenols and their derivatives. These dye forming intermediates canbe classified as; primary and secondary intermediates, couplers andmodifiers, and nitro dyes. Primary intermediates are chemical compounds,which by themselves will form a dye upon oxidation. The secondaryintermediates, also known as color modifiers or couplers and are usedwith other intermediates for specific color effects or to stabilize thecolor. Nitro dyes are unique in that they are direct dyes, which do notrequire oxidation to dye the hair.

[0067] The oxidation dyestuffs or oxidation dye intermediates, which aresuitable for, use in the compositions and processes herein includearomatic diamines, polyhydric phenols, aminophenols and derivatives ofthese aromatic compounds (e.g., N-substituted derivatives of the amines,and ethers of the phenols). Primary oxidation dye intermediates aregenerally colorless molecules prior to oxidation. The oxidation dyecolor is generated when the primary intermediate is ‘activated’ andsubsequently enjoined with a secondary intermediate (coupling agent),which is also generally colorless, to form a colored, conjugatedmolecule. In general terms, oxidation hair dye precursors orintermediates include those monomeric materials which, on oxidation,form oligomers or polymers having extended conjugated systems ofelectrons in their molecular structure. Because of the new electronicstructure, the resultant oligomers and polymers exhibit a shift in theirelectronic spectra to the visible range and appear colored. For example,oxidation dye precursors capable of forming colored polymers includematerials such as aniline, which has a single functional group andwhich, on oxidation, forms a series of conjugated imines and quinoiddimers, trimers, etc. ranging in color from green to black. Compoundssuch as p-phenylenediamine, which has two functional groups, are capableof oxidative polymerization to yield higher molecular weight coloredmaterials having extended conjugated electron systems. Color modifiers(couplers), such as those detailed hereinafter, are preferably used inconjunction with the oxidation dye precursors herein and are thought tointerpose themselves in the colored polymers during their formation andto cause shifts in the electronic spectra thereof, thereby resulting inslight color changes. A representative list of oxidation dye precursorssuitable for use herein is found in Sagarin, “Cosmetic Science andTechnology”, Interscience, Special Edition, Volume 2, pages 308 to 310which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0068] It is to be understood that the oxidizing aids of the presentinvention are suitable for use (in combination with a source of peroxideas detailed herein) with all manner of oxidation dye precursors andcolor modifiers and that the precursors detailed below are only by wayof example and are not intended to limit the compositions and processesherein.

[0069] The typical aromatic diamines, polyhydric phenols, aminophenols,and derivatives thereof, described above as primary dye precursors canalso have additional substituents on the aromatic ring, e.g. halogen,aldehyde, carboxylic additional substituents on the amino nitrogen andon the phenolic oxygen, e.g. substituted and unsubstituted alkyl andaryl groups.

[0070] The hair coloring compositions of the present invention may, inaddition to the essential oxidative hair-coloring agents, optionallyinclude non-oxidative and other dye materials. Optional non-oxidativeand other dyes suitable for use in the hair coloring compositions andprocesses according to the present invention include semi-permanent,temporary and other dyes. Non-oxidative dyes as defined herein includethe so-called ‘direct action dyes’, metallic dyes, metal chelate dyes,fiber reactive dyes and other synthetic and natural ‘Chemical andPhysical Behaviour of Human Hair’ 3rd Edn. by Clarence Robbins (pp250-259); ‘The Chemistry and Manufacture of Cosmetics’. Volume IV. 2ndEdn. Maison G. De dyes. Various types of non-oxidative dyes are detailedin: ‘Navarre’ at chapter 45 by G. S. Kass (pp 841-920); ‘cosmetics:Science and Technology’ 2nd Edn, Vol II Balsam Sagarin, Chapter 23 by F.E. Wall (pp 279-343); ‘The Science of Hair Care’ edited by C. Zviak,Chapter 7 (pp 235-261) and ‘Hair Dyes’, J. C. Johnson, Noyes Data Corp.,Park Ridge, U.S.A. (1973), (pp 3-91 and 113-139).

[0071] Specific hair dyes which may be included in the compositions ofthe invention include m-aminophenol, p-phenylene diamine,p-toluenediamine; p-phenylenediamine; 2-chloro-p-phenylenediamine;N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-2-methoxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;N,N-bis-(hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-hydroxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 2-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine;4,4′-diaminodiphenylamine; 2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine;2-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-p-phenylenediamine;2-propyl-p-phenylenediamine;1,3-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2-propanol;2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoaniline; p-aminophenol; p-methylaminophenol;3-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-hydroxymethyl-p-aminophenol;2-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-(2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-p-aminophenol;2-methoxymethyl-p-aminophenol; and 5-aminosalicylic acid; catechol;pyrogallol; o-aminophenol; 2,4-diaminophenol; 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene;1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene; 2-ethylamino-p-cresol;2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene; 5-methyl-o-aminophenol;6-methyl-o-aminophenol; and 2-amino-5-acetaminophenol;2-methyl-1-naphthol; 1-acetoxy-2-methylnaphthalene;1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; resorcinol; 4-chlororesorcinol; 1-naphthol;1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2-methylresorcinol;1-hydroxy-6-aminonaphthalene-3-sulfonic acid;thymol(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol);1,5-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; 2-chlororesorcinol;2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; and 1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid;m-phenylenediamine; 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-m-phenylenediamine; 2,6-diaminotoluene;N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-2,4-diaminophenetole;bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)-1,3-propane; 1-hydroxyethyl-2,4-diaminobenzene;2-amino-4 hydroxyethylaminoanisole; aminoethoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene;2,4-diaminophenoxyacetic acid;4,6-bis(hydroxyethoxy)-m-phenylenediamine;2,4-diamino-5-methylphenetole; 2,4-diamino-5-hydroxyethoxytoluene;2,4-dimethoxy 1,3-diaminobenzene; and 2,6-bis(hydroxyethylamino)toluene;m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxy-4-carbamoylmethylaminotoluene;m-carbamoylmethylaminophenol; 6-hydroxybenzomorpholine;2-hydroxy-4-aminotoluene; 2-hydroxy-4-hydroxyethylaminotoluene;4,6-dichloro-m-aminophenol; 2-methyl-m-aminophenol;2-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxyethoxy-5-aminophenol;2-chloro-5-trifluoroethylaminophenol; 4-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol;N-cyclopentyl-3-aminophenol;N-hydroxyethyl-4-methoxy-2-methyl-m-aminophenol and5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylpheno; 2-dimethylamino-5-aminopyridine;2,4,5,6-tetra-aminopyrimidine; 4,5-diamino-1-methylpyrazole;1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone; 6-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline;2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylpyridine; 5-hydroxy-1,4-benzodioxane;3,4-methylenedioxyphenol; 4-hydroxyethylamino-1,2-methylenedioxybenzene;2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine; 5-chloro-2,3-dihydroxypyridine;3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;2-hydroxyethylamino-6-methoxy-3-aminopyridine;3,4-methylenedioxyaniline; 2,6-bis-hydroxyethoxy-3,5-diaminopyridine;4-hydroxyindole; 3-amino-5-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxypyridine;5,6-dihydroxyindole; 7-hydroxyindole; 5-hydroxyindole;2-bromo-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol; 6-hydroxyindole;3-amino-2-methylamino-6-methoxypyridine; 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine;2,6-diaminopyridine; 5-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-1,3-dihydroxypentane;3-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-2-hydroxypropanol and4-hydroxy-2,5,6-triaminopyrimidine, or combinations thereof.

[0072] Buffering Agents

[0073] The final coloring compositions of the present invention (that isafter part ai and part aii have been mixed) have a preferred pH in therange of from about 7 to about 12, more preferably from about 8 to about10.

[0074] Buffering agents may be present in part ai and part aiicompositions of the present invention. Coloring compositions of thepresent invention may contain one or more hair swelling agents (HSAs)such as urea, to adjust the pH to the desired level. Several differentpH modifiers can be used to adjust the pH of the final composition orany constituent part thereof.

[0075] Further examples of suitable buffering agents are ammoniumhydroxide, urea, ethylamine, dipropylamine, triethylamine andalkanediamines such as 1,3-diaminopropane, anhydrous alkalinealkanolamines such as, mono or di-ethanolamine, preferably those whichare completely substituted on the amine group such asdimethylaminoethanol, polyalkylene polyamines such as diethylenetriamineor a heterocyclic amine such as morpholine as well as the hydroxides ofalkali metals, such as sodium and potassium hydroxide, hydroxides ofalkali earth metals, such as magnesium and calcium hydroxide, basicamino acids such as L-alginine, lysine, oxylysine and histidine andalkanolamines such as dimethylaminoethanol and aminoalkylpropanediol andmixtures thereof. Also suitable for use herein are compounds that formHCO₃—by dissociation in water (hereinafter referred to as ‘ion formingcompounds’). Examples of suitable ion forming compounds are Na₂CO₃,NaHCO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NH₄HCO₃, CaCO₃ and Ca(HCO₃)₂ and mixturesthereof.

[0076] As herein before described certain alkaline buffering agents suchas ammonium hydroxide and monoethylamine (MEA), urea and the like canalso act as hair swelling agents (HSA's).

[0077] Preferred for use as a buffering agent for the coloringcompositions according to the present invention is ammonium hydroxideand/or sodium hydroxide.

[0078] In oxidizing and coloring kits comprising a portion of peroxideoxidizing agent, which may be present in either solid or liquid form,such as hydrogen peroxide, a buffering agent solution is required tostabilize hydrogen peroxide. Since hydrogen peroxide is stable in the pHrange from 2 to 4, it is necessary to use a buffering agent having a pHwithin this range. Dilute acids are suitable hydrogen peroxide bufferingagents. Phosphoric acid is a preferred agent for buffering hydrogenperoxide solutions.

[0079] This pH adjustment can be effected by using well known acidifyingagents in the field of treating keratinous fibers, and in particularhuman hair, such as inorganic and organic acids such as hydrochloricacid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and carboxylic or sulphonic acids suchas ascorbic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, sulphuric acid, formic acid,ammonium sulphate and sodium dihydrogenphosphate/phosphoric acid,disodium hydrogen phosphate/phosphoric acid, potassiumchloride/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogen phthalate/hydrochloricacid, sodium citrate/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogencitrate/hydrochloric acid, potassium dihydrogencitrate/citric acid,sodium citrate/citric acid, sodium tartarate/tartaric acid, sodiumlactate/lactic acid, sodium acetate/acetic acid, disodiumhydrogenphosphate/citric acid and sodium chloride/glycine/hydrochloricacid and mixtures thereof.

[0080] Solvents

[0081] Water is the preferred principal diluent or solvent for thecompositions according to the present invention. As such, thecompositions according to the present invention may include one or moresolvents as additional diluent materials. Generally, the solvent isselected to be miscible with water and innocuous to the skin. Solventssuitable for use herein include C₁-C₂₀ mono- or polyhydric alcohols andtheir ethers, glycerine, with monohydric and dihydric alcohols and theirethers preferred. In these compounds, alcoholic residues containing 2 to10 carbon atoms are preferred. Thus, a particularly preferred groupincludes ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, butanol, propylene glycol,ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0082] These solvents may be present in part ai and part aii of theinvention.

[0083] Thickeners of Gelling Agents

[0084] Thickeners may be included in part ai and part aii of theinvention. Long chain fatty alcohols having from about 11 to about 18carbon atoms in the long fatty chain can be thickener constituents ofcompositions of this invention. These alcohols can be used alone, or inadmixture with each other. When included in the compositions, thealcohol is preferably present at from about 0.5 to about 10 weightpercent of the composition, and more preferably at from about 2 to about5 weight percent.

[0085] Lauryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol,and the like, and mixtures thereof are contemplated herein. In addition,mixtures of natural or synthetic fatty alcohols having fatty chainlengths of from about 11 to about 18 carbons are also useful. Severalsuch mixtures are available commercially, and are exemplified by thematerial containing a mixture of synthetic alcohols with 12 to 15carbons in the alkyl chain sold under the trademark NEODOL 25 by ShellChemical Company, and the material containing a mixture of syntheticalcohols with chain lengths of 12 to 16 carbons sold under the trademarkALFOL 1216 Alcohol by Conoco Chemicals.

[0086] Thickening agents suitable for use in the compositions herein mayalso be selected from oleic acid, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, sodiumchloride, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, synthetic thickeners suchas Carbopol, Aculyn and Acrosyl and mixtures thereof. Preferredthickeners for use herein are Aculyn 22 (RTM), steareth-20 methacrylatecopolymer; Aculyn 44 (RTM) polyurethane resin and Acusol 830 (RTM),acrylates copolymer that are available from Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia,Pa., USA. Additional thickening agents suitable for use herein includesodium alginate or gum arabic, or cellulose derivatives, such as methylcellulose or the sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose or acrylicpolymers.

[0087] Fatty alcohols of the above discussed carbon chain lengths whichare ethoxylated to contain an average of one or two moles of ethyleneoxide per mole of fatty alcohol can be used in place of the fattyalcohols themselves. Examples of such useful ethoxylated fatty acidsinclude ethylene glycol cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether,and the like; the exemplary compounds having CTFA Dictionary names ofCeteth-1 and Steareth-2, respectively.

[0088] Volatile Silicones

[0089] Volatile silicones may also be employed in the compositions ofthe invention. The volatile silicone oil is often described as avolatile polyorganosiloxane, and is a liquid material having ameasurable vapour pressure at ambient conditions (about 20 to 25° C.).Typically the vapour pressure of volatile silicones lies in the range offrom 1 or 10 Pa to 2 kPa at 25° C. Volatile polyorganosiloxanes can belinear or cyclic or mixtures thereof. Preferred cyclic siloxanes includepolydimethylsiloxanes and particularly those containing from 3 to 9silicon atoms and preferably not more than 7 silicon atoms and mostpreferably from 4 to 6 silicon atoms, otherwise often referred to ascyclomethicones. Preferred linear siloxanes includepolydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9 silicon atoms. The volatilesiloxanes normally by themselves exhibit viscosities of below 1×10-5 m2/sec (10 centistokes), and particularly above 1×10-7 m 2/sec (0.1centistokes), the linear siloxanes normally exhibiting a viscosity ofbelow 5×10-6 m2/sec (5 centistokes). The volatile silicones can alsocomprise branched linear or cyclic siloxanes such as the aforementionedlinear or cyclic siloxanes substituted by one or more pendant—O—Si(CH3)3 groups. Examples of commercially available silicone oilsinclude oils having grade designations 344, 345 244, 245 and 246, (fromDow Corning Corporation) Silicone 7207 and Silicone 7158 (from UnionCarbide Corporation) and SF1202 (from General Electric [US]).

[0090] The non-volatile oil can comprise non-volatile silicone oils,which include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes andpolyethersiloxane copolymers. These can suitably be selected fromdimethicone and dimethicone copolyols. Commercially availablenon-volatile silicone oils include Dow Corning 556 and Dow Corning 200series having a viscosity of at least 50 centistokes.

[0091] Non-Volatile Silcones

[0092] Non-volatile silicones may be included in compositions of theinvention. Nonvolatile silicone oils include polyalkyl siloxanes,polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers. Theessentially non-volatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include, forexample, polydimethyl siloxanes with viscosities of from about 5 toabout 25 million centistokes at 25° C. Among the preferred non-volatilesilicones useful in the present compositions are the polydimethylsiloxanes having viscosities from about 10 to about 400 centistokes at25° C.

[0093] Optional Ingredients

[0094] The compositions of the present invention can comprise a widerange of optional ingredients. The ingredients can fall into thefollowing functional classes: anticaking agents, antioxidants, binders,biological additives, bulking agents, chelating agents, chemicaladditives, colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides,denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, film formers, fragrancecomponents, humectants, opacifying agents, plasticizers, preservatives,propellants, reducing agents, solvents, foam boosters, hydrotropes,solubilizing agents, suspending agents (nonsurfactant), sunscreenagents, ultraviolet light absorbers, and viscosity increasing agents(aqueous and nonaqueous). Examples of other functional classes ofmaterials useful herein that are well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art include solubilizing agents, sequestrants, and the like.

[0095] Other optional ingredients include organic acids. A non-exclusivelist of examples of organic acids which can be used as the protondonating agent are adipic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, maleic acid,malic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, glutaric acid, benzoic acid,malonic acid, salicylic acid, gluconic acid, polyacrylic acid, theirsalts, and mixtures thereof. Non-exclusive lists of examples of mineralacid for use herein are hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfuric and mixturesthereof.

[0096] It has been found by experimentation that hair care products usedon a daily or frequent basis can achieve durable desired hair color. Asnoted above, the daily hair care product consists of two parts.

[0097] Part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent atalkaline pH

[0098] Part aii: an oxidizing compound such as hydrogen peroxide inwater at acidic pH.

[0099] Part ai is mixed with part aii and applied to hair. The reasonconventional hair coloring products come in two packages is because themixture of the coloring component and the oxidizing component isunstable and the two components must be kept apart until just beforeuse. Similarly part ai and part aii of the present invention must bekept apart until just before use. By varying the concentration of theactives and the treatment time, the amount of color on hair could bevaried while minimizing hair damage. To make the product more convenientand fool proof, part ai and aii can be packaged in dual dispensingsystems where both parts are mixed out side of the package whendispensed which is then applied to the wet hair as a hair colorant.Depending upon the amount of color desired, the treatment time could bevaried from one or two minutes or longer.

[0100] Such treatments would add color to hair gradually without damagedue to lower contact time. Each subsequent treatment would add coloruntil the desired shade is obtained. Depending upon the concentration ofthe actives and contact time, a desired shade may be reached in aboutsix to eight treatments. It has been found that since any one treatmentdoes not exceed the threshold of irreversible damage, the total damageresulting from multiple treatments is lower than the damage from asingle conventional treatment. Such a process gives the user controlover the amount of color deposited on her hair, and also the option todiscontinue further applications if the color delivered is not to herliking. She also has the option to switch to another color shadeimmediately without having to wait the six to eight weeks that isrecommended for conventional treatments. With conventional hair colortreatment, it is not recommended to perm and color hair simultaneouslydue to extensive damage. However, since the method of the inventioncolors the hair with minimum damage, perming can be done in the sametime frame with this progressive coloring treatment.

[0101] The following examples, which were made by means that areconventional in the art, are shown as illustrations only and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention: FORMULA #1 Dark BrownColor: Part ai % Carbopol 940 1.0 Disodium EDTA 0.10 DC-1870 HV 1.80Kathon CG 1.5% 0.08 DMDM Hydantoin 55% 0.10 Fragrance 0.20 Sodiummetabisulfite 0.10 m-Aminophenol 0.03 Rodol Gray HED 0.13p-Phenylenediamine 0.45 o-Aminophenol 0.05 Resorcinol 0.25 Sodiumhydroxide 50% 0.40 DI Water to 100.00

[0102] Dark Brown Color: Part aii % Polymer JR-30M 0.5 Disodium EDTA0.10 DC-1870 HV 1.80 Hydrogen Peroxide (35%) 10.00 DMDM Hydantoin 55%0.10 Fragrance 0.20 Phosphoric acid, 85% 0.09 DI Water to 100.00

[0103] Take equal amounts of part ai and part aii (formula#1), mix andapply to the wet hair tresses, keep on hair tresses for two minutes, andrinse well. Repeat the above procedure for subsequent treatments.Collect the hair tress after 2, 4 and 6 treatments. Measure the changein color delta E using McBeth Coloreye. Similarly take equal amounts ofpart ai and aii (formula#1), mix and apply to the wet hair tresses, keepon hair tresses for 30 mins, and rinse well. Measure the change in colordelta E using McBeth ColorEye.

[0104] Difference of color as compared against untreated hair, ΔE is:{square root}(ΔL²+Δa²+Δb²)

[0105] Conventional Formula #2

[0106] L'Oreal Dark Brown Permanent Hair Color

[0107] Color the hair tresses using L'Oreal dark brown permanent haircolor. Follow the instruction sheet. Measure the change in color delta Eusing McBeth coloreye.

[0108] The changes in delta E values are summarized in the table below.One can see from the results that the change in color after one 30-min.treatment with L'Oreal Dark Brown is very similar to one 30 mins and six2-min. treatment using a composition of the invention. The goodcorrelation was observed with number of treatments and change in thecolor of the hair. It takes about six treatments to achieve a single 30minutes treatment of permanent conventional color. L'Oreal's Preference:Invention: Dark Brown: Dark Brown Color Delta E Delta E 1X-30 mins. 4.284.35 2X-2 mins. 1.78 4X-2 mins. 3.55 6X-2 mins. 4.12

[0109] Treatment of hair with compositions of the invention as describedherein gives said hair good attributes such as lower wet combing force,higher break stress, lower amounts of cysteic acid (which are anindicator of hair damage), good hair color change, less color fading,less damage to hair, and more intense color to hair as described justbelow. Also described below is a method for applying compositions of theinvention at set time intervals so as to avoid root outgrowth and lesscolor fading

[0110] Combing Index—

[0111] The combing experiment has been carried out to evaluate theextent of damage. Wet combing evaluation technique has been used tocorrelate damage. The combing index was measured to evaluate the extentof damage. Higher index (more than one) indicates lower damage.

[0112] Combing Index=Combing force of untreated hair/combing force oftreated with composition of the invention.

[0113] The above tresses were evaluated via Instron to measure combingforce. Treatments Combing force gm force Untreated hair 27.15 Treatedwith color gel 16.25

[0114] Combing Index=Combing force of untreated hair/combing force oftreated with composition of the invention.

[0115] =27.15/16.25

[0116] =1.67

[0117] Wet Combing Force:

[0118] After conventional hair color treatment, it is hard to comb thehair. Harder combing indicates more hair damage. The combing force wasmeasured using Instron.

[0119] The combing force with new conditioner composition of theinvention is in the range of 5 to 55 gm force, preferably 5 to 25 andmore preferably 5 to 18 gm force.

[0120] Break Stress:

[0121] After conventional hair color treatment, the hair becomes weakand easy to break. The weak hair is again a sign of damage. The strengthof the hair was measured using Instron.

[0122] The break stress with new conditioner composition of theinvention is in the range of 0.005 to 0.03 gm force/micron, preferably0.005 to 0.025 and more preferably 0.005 to 0.018 gm force/micron.

[0123] Cysteic Acid:

[0124] Much of the hair damage associated with conventional hair colortreatment comes from the oxidation of cystine residues to thecorresponding cysteic acid, with a consequent decrease in the tensilestrength of hair as these cross-linkages are destroyed. A good measureof oxidative damage is thus the amount of cysteic acid formed in hair.Infrared transmission spectroscopy has been used to determine cysteicacid content in hair. The ratio of absorption at 1040 cm-1/absorption at1240 cm-1 would indicate the extent of damage. A lower ratio indicatesless hair damage.

[0125] The ratio of 1040/1240 with new color compositions of theinvention is in the range of 0.01 to 1.5, preferably 0.01 to 1.0, andmore preferably 0.01 to 0.5.

[0126] Hair damage done by hair coloring compositions can be calculatedaccording to the following mathematical formulas:

% Damage=Chemical damage×Physical damage

% Damage=amount of cysteic acid×combing force gm×breaking stress forcegm/micron 2×100 $\begin{matrix}{\begin{matrix}{{\% \quad {Damage}\quad {using}\quad {L'}{{Oreal}'}s\quad {conventional}}\quad} \\{\quad {{preference}\quad {permanent}\quad {hair}\quad {color}\quad {for}\quad {example}}\quad}\end{matrix} = {0.75 \times 48 \times 0.02 \times 100}} \\{= {72\quad \% \quad {damage}}}\end{matrix}$

[0127] % Damage using new hair color composition of the invention:

0.25×20×0.015×100=7.5% damage

[0128] The above numbers indicate that the hair color compositions ofthe invention damage hair much less than conventional permanent haircolor.

[0129] Color Change/Color Control:

[0130] The conventional permanent hair color system gives the colorchange delta E of 5 to 65 on blonde hair, and color change up to delta Eof 1 to 8 on brown hair with one treatment. In conventional haircoloring treatments, consumers have little or no control of color,control of hue and control of lightening. By contrast, by using thegradual stepwise methods of the invention, the consumer has a great dealof control over hair color.

[0131] With the composition and method of the invention, there can becan delivered delta E of 0.1 to 65 on blonde hair and delta E of 0.1 to8 on brown hair.

[0132] Root Outgrowth:

[0133] Conventional permanent hair color systems are used once in 4 to 6weeks. During this time due to the new hair growth, roots look totallydifferent than rest of the hair. On average the hair grow 1 cm/month or0.3 mm/day.

[0134] With the present compositions and methods of the invention, usedas a conditioner one would add color on each application of saidcompositions. Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would add 10% ofthe color change per conditioning treatment.

[0135] The amount of color added is determined by the followingmathematical formulas.

[0136] The length of the new hair=0.3 mm×no. of days. $\begin{matrix}{{\% \quad {color}\quad {added}\quad {to}\quad {new}\quad {{hair}\left( {10\quad {days}} \right)}} = {{No}\quad {of}\quad {days} \times \quad \% \quad {color}\quad {added}\quad {per}\quad {day}}} \\{= {10 \times 10\quad \%}} \\{= {100\quad \% \quad {color}}}\end{matrix}$

[0137] Due to the constant addition of the color 10% per day, one willnot be able to see root outgrowth.

[0138] Color Fading:

[0139] The conventional permanent hair color system is used once in 4 to6 weeks. During this time color fades with washing, and outside exposuredue to the weathering effect. The amount of color fading will dependupon washing and outside exposure. Let us assume that person washhis/her hair 4 times a week and stay outdoors for 2.0 hrs a day. Thepercentage of the color loss can be calculated using following equation.

[0140] Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would lose 1% of thecolor per wash and would loose about 0.75% of the color/hr of outsideexposure.

% Loss of color=no. of washing×% color loss/wash+no of hrs. ofexposure×% color loss/hr $\begin{matrix}{{\% \quad {Loss}\quad {of}\quad {color}\quad {per}\quad {month}} = {{20 \times 1.0} + {40\quad {hrs} \times 0.75}}} \\{= {20 + 30}} \\{= {50\quad \%}}\end{matrix}$

 % Loss of color per week=12.5%

[0141] So, on average consumer would lose 50% of the color. That is whymost consumers want to recolor their hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

[0142] With the present composition and methods, one would add color oneach application of composition, according to the schedule set forth bythe following mathematical formulas.

% Color addition/week=no of conditioning treatment week×amount coloradded/treatment

[0143] Laboratory evaluation indicates that one would add 6% more colorper conditioning treatment.

% Color addition/week=3×10%=30%

[0144] With a composition of the invention, one would lose 12.5% of thecolor but one would add 30% of the color. Due to this, one would not seeany fading of the color and color would stay fresh everyday.

[0145] More Intense Color:

[0146] The typical permanent color composition, upon application goesthrough an oxidation mechanism. Each of the dye intermediates canproduce pigments through oxidation and polymerization. According to LeChatelier's principle, the state of a chemical reaction is a dynamicstate in which the chemical reaction is occurring in both directions.The rate of reaction depends upon the ratio of the rate of forwardreaction to the rate of backward reaction. The higher the ratio thefaster is the reaction. The factors affecting the rate of reactions areas follows:

[0147] 1. Reactants

[0148] 2. Products

[0149] 3. Pressure

[0150] 4. Temperature

[0151] A main difference in the reaction using a conventional permanentcolor system is the temperature. With the conventional system, thereaction takes place at room temperature, at about 70-75 F.F., whilewith new system of the invention, since it is used in the shower, thereaction takes place at higher temperatures of about 100 to 110F.According to le Chatelier's principle, the effect of temperature is verysignificant to the final rate of reaction.

[0152] Under identical conditions, laboratory evaluation indicates thatone would increase 5% intensity of the color with 10F.-temperaturedifference.

[0153] Therefore, according to the mathematical formula just below, 15%more color is added using the compositions and methods of the inventionas opposed to conventional hair coloring methods. $\begin{matrix}{{{\% \quad {Additional}\quad {Color}} = {{delta}\quad T \times \% \quad {change}\quad {in}\quad {color}\quad {per}\quad {one}\quad {degree}\quad F\quad {difference}}}\quad} \\{= {\left( {{100\quad F} - {70F}} \right) \times 0.5}} \\{= {{30 \times 0.5} = {15\quad \% \quad {more}\quad {color}\quad {due}\quad {to}\quad {new}\quad {method}}}}\end{matrix}$

[0154] If the contact time is kept at about two minutes or below foreach treatment with compositions of the invention then there is noappreciable hair damage no matter how many color application treatmentsaccording to the invention are performed.

[0155] At the same time that hair damage is avoided by the methods ofthe invention, the consumer's hair is gradually being brought to thedesired shade and color. This gradual change of color has twoadvantages: first, since the color is changed gradually, the consumercan stop the process if she does not like the color her hair is turningto. Second, some consumers do not want an abrupt change in color becausethey may feel embarrassed in public after having made such an abruptchange to the color of their hair. Moreover, the method and compositionsof the present invention can be used in the shower, and on a frequent ordaily basis, because the compositions and methods of the presentinvention, by contrast with conventional color compositions, do notemploy poisonous levels of chemicals and also because compositionsmethods of the present invention involve hair application steps that areup to about two minutes in length. By contrast conventional haircoloring compositions require approximately 30 minutes' time for eachapplication, an amount of time, which is clearly not suitable for use inthe shower.

[0156] The methods of the present invention are not as messy asconventional permanent hair coloring methods. The methods of the presentinvention do not use chemical compositions that are as smelly andnoxious as those used in conventional permanent hair-coloring methods.Because the methods of the invention can be carried out in the shower,they do not involve the dripping and the mess associated withconventional permanent hair coloring, which is usually done over thebathroom sink. The methods of the present invention do not use chemicalcompositions that can stain fixtures in the bathroom or that will stainthe scalp and the face.

[0157] A dual package which can be employed in the products and kits ofthe present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,588 to Markeyet al which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0158] Kit Containing an Instruction Sheet

[0159] The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the haircoloring method of the invention. The kit comprises part ai, part aiiand a post treatment solution, each in a separate container or in a dualcontainer, as described herein. The kit also contains writteninstructions that explain how the compositions of the invention areused.

[0160] The consumer admixes the components of the kit according towritten instructions, to obtain the aqueous reaction mixture. The mixingmay be conducted in a separate vessel external to the kit, or may takeplace in a container of the kit adapted to provide sufficient head spacefor mixing. The components that are mixed are part ai and part aii. Partai and part aii may also be admixed on the hair of the user. Essentiallyupon mixing, reaction of part ai and part aii will commence. Aftertreatment for a desired time the mixture of part ai and part aii may beremoved, preferably with water or a conventional shampoo or aconventional conditioning shampoo.

[0161] As noted above, dye intermediate composition and peroxygencomposition are mixed together, and the resulting mixture may be appliedto the hair and allowed to remain for a set time, usually about 1 toabout 2 minutes; or about 1 hour or to about 30 minutes; or about 40minutes.

[0162] Desired change in hair color by the method of the invention isdescribed by the mathematical formulas described above. Monitoringdesired change in hair color can be done in a number of ways. In thefirst instance, the consumer can compare her hair color with desiredhair color or the hair color of a sample tress. Hair dyeing by themethod of the invention can be repeated until her hair color matches thedesired hair color. It is noted that the compositions used in themethods of the invention have lower contact times and thus repeated useof these compositions will not cause hair damage. An unexpecteddiscovery of the present invention is that for damage to hair to occur,contact time in each treatment must go above the threshold value ofabout two minutes. Thus, the consumer can lighten or color the hairthrough repeated applications wherein the duration of each colorapplication is about two minutes or less. The following two advantagesare thereby achieved: first, there is a stepwise approach to the desiredcolor; and second, a minimum of hair damage is done.

[0163] By the method of the invention, durable desired hair color, witha minimum of hair damage is achieved.

[0164] In following the method of the invention, the consumer cancompare the color of her hair with the desired hair color, which can beprinted on the package of the product. The consumer can also vary thenumber of days of application of the product, and the consumer can alsovary the amount of time the mixture of part ai and part aii is left inthe hair on each application. The number of applications can vary fromabout 7 to about 30 applications. The time of each application can varyfrom about 1 to about two minutes.

[0165] The method of the invention occurs over the course of days.Therefore, the final color of the consumer's hair may be affected by theamount of exposure to the sun of the hair during the course oftreatment.

[0166] Desired hair color can also be reached by comparing hair aftereach treatment until it matches hair tresses taken from the consumerduring a prior treatment.

[0167] Desired hair color can also be reached by testing the hair aftereach treatment with instruments, which measure the color of the hair.When the measurements of hair color of the treated hair reach a desiredlevel, the treatment hair reach a desired level, the treatment can bestopped.

[0168] Indeed, reaching the desired hair color can be achieved by theuse of any matching or comparison method commonly employed in the art.

[0169] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention ashereinbefore set forth can be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for permanently dyeing hair which comprises subjecting said hair to a number of treatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutive such treatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.) below: a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes with a recently made mixture of: part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH, and part aii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH; b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water; and wherein said number of treatments is between about 2 to about 30; and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutive treatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dye intermediate is selected from the group consisting of m-aminophenol, p-phenylene diamine, p-toluenediamine; p-phenylenediamine; 2-chloro-p-phenylenediamine; N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-2-methoxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine; N,N-bis-(hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine; 2-hydroxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 2-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 4,4′-diaminodiphenylamine; 2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine; 2-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine; N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-p-phenylenediamine; 2-propyl-p-phenylenediamine; 1,3-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2-propanol; 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoaniline; p-aminophenol; p-methylaminophenol; 3-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-hydroxymethyl-p-aminophenol; 2-methyl-p-aminophenol; 2-(2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-p-aminophenol; 2-methoxymethyl-p-aminophenol; and 5-aminosalicylic acid; catechol; pyrogallol; o-aminophenol; 2,4-diaminophenol; 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene; 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene; 2-ethylamino-p-cresol; 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene; 5-methyl-o-aminophenol; 6-methyl-o-aminophenol; and 2-amino-5-acetaminophenol; 2-methyl-1-naphthol; 1-acetoxy-2-methylnaphthalene; 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; resorcinol; 4-chlororesorcinol; 1-naphthol; 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene; 2-methylresorcinol; 1-hydroxy-6-aminonaphthalene-3-sulfonic acid; thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol); 1,5-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; 2-chlororesorcinol; 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; and 1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid; m-phenylenediamine; 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol; N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-m-phenylenediamine; 2,6-diaminotoluene; N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)-2,4-diaminophenetole; bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)-1,3-propane; 1-hydroxyethyl-2,4-diaminobenzene; 2-amino-4 hydroxyethylaminoanisole; aminoethoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene; 2,4-diaminophenoxyacetic acid; 4,6-bis(hydroxyethoxy)-m-phenylenediamine; 2,4-diamino-5-methylphenetole; 2,4-diamino-5-hydroxyethoxytoluene; 2,4-dimethoxy 1,3-diaminobenzene; and 2,6-bis(hydroxyethylamino)toluene; m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxy-4-carbamoylmethylaminotoluene; m-carbamoylmethylaminophenol; 6-hydroxybenzomorpholine; 2-hydroxy-4-aminotoluene; 2-hydroxy-4-hydroxyethylaminotoluene; 4,6-dichloro-m-aminophenol; 2-methyl-m-aminophenol; 2-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol; 2-hydroxyethoxy-5-aminophenol; 2-chloro-5-trifluoroethylaminophenol; 4-chloro-6-methyl-m-aminophenol; N-cyclopentyl-3-aminophenol; N-hydroxyethyl-4-methoxy-2-methyl-m-aminophenol and 5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylpheno; 2-dimethylamino-5-aminopyridine; 2,4,5,6-tetra-aminopyrimidine; 4,5-diamino-1-methylpyrazole; 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone; 6-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline; 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylpyridine; 5-hydroxy-1,4-benzodioxane; 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol; 4-hydroxyethylamino-1,2-methylenedioxybenzene; 2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine; 5-chloro-2,3-dihydroxypyridine; 3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine; 2-hydroxyethylamino-6-methoxy-3-aminopyridine; 3,4-methylenedioxyaniline; 2,6-bis-hydroxyethoxy-3,5-diaminopyridine; 4-hydroxyindole; 3-amino-5-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxypyridine; 5,6-dihydroxyindole; 7-hydroxyindole; 5-hydroxyindole; 2-bromo-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol; 6-hydroxyindole; 3-amino-2-methylamino-6-methoxypyridine; 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine; 2,6-diaminopyridine; 5-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-1,3-dihydroxypentane; 3-(3,5-diamino-2-pyridyloxy)-2-hydroxypropanol and 4-hydroxy-2,5,6-triaminopyrimidine, or combinations thereof.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein part ai, prior to mixture with part aii, has a pH of about 8 to about
 10. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein part aii, prior to mixture with part ai, has a pH of about 3to about
 5. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein part ai comprises: A.) from about 0.05% to about 1.0% of a dye intermediate; B.) from about 0.1% to about 0.5% of a coupler; and C.) from about 1% to about 99% of an aqueous base.
 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein part aii comprises: A.) from about 1% to about 99% of an aqueous base; B.) from about 0.5% to about 2.5% of a volatile silicone; and C.) from about 0.1% to about 5% of an oxidative compound.
 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said period for contacting said hair is between about 1 minute and 3 minutes.
 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said set time interval between each two consecutive such treatments is between about 1 day and about 3 days.
 9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hair has combing index in the range of 1.1 to 4.0.
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hair has combing force in the range of 5to 55 gm force.
 11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hair has break stress in the range of 0.05 to 0.3 gm force/micron.
 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein said composition delivers delta E of 0.1 to 65 on blonde hair and delta E of 0.1 to 8 on brown hair.
 13. A method according to claim 1 wherein said hair has a ratio IR absorption at 1040 cm-1/1240 cm-1 in the range of 0.01 to 1.5.
 14. A method according to claim 1 wherein said oxidative compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, melamine peroxide, sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate.
 15. A method according to claim 1 wherein part ai comprises from about 35% to about 98.9% water.
 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the mixture of part ai and part aii has a neat viscosity of from about 500 cps to about 60,000 cps at 26.7 degrees C., as measured by a Brookfield RVTDCP with a spindle CP-41 at 1RPM for 3 minutes.
 17. A method for maintaining hair color through the use of a permanent hair dye which comprises subjecting said hair to successive treatments, having a set time interval between each two consecutive such treatments, wherein each treatment comprises steps a.) and b.) below: a.) contacting said hair, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes with a recently made mixture of: part ai: dye intermediates in water with a gelling agent at alkaline pH; part aii: oxidizing compound in water at acidic pH; b.) rinsing said mixture from said hair with water; and wherein said set time interval between each two consecutive treatments is between about 8 hours and 30 days.
 18. A method according to claim 1 wherein said dye intermediate in part ai is present at about 0.1% to about 1%.
 19. A method according to claim 1 wherein said oxidizing compound in part aii is present at about 2% to about 5%.
 20. A dispenser for dispensing simultaneously or nearly simultaneously part ai and part aii according to claim 1, which comprises: A.) a means for holding part ai and part aii in physically separate locations; B.) a means for protecting part ai and part aii from air prior to dispensing; C.) a means for dispensing part ai and part aii in equal amounts and in physical proximity to each other.
 21. A method according to claim 1 wherein part ai and part aii are mixed by hand.
 22. A method according to claim 1 which comprises rinsing said mixture of part ai and part aii from said hair with water in a shower.
 23. A composition for permanently dying hair which comprises a mixture of: part ai a) about 0.1% to about 99.9% of an alkaline aqueous base with a gelling agent; b) about 0.1% to about 1% of a dye intermediate; c) about 0.1% to about 1% of a coupler and part aii a) about 1 to about 5% of an aqueous base; b) about 1 to about 5% of an oxidizing compound.
 24. A composition in accordance with claim 23 wherein said gelling agent is Carbopol
 940. 